BCAT News

With much of the national conversation on the presidential race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, it’s easy to forget the down-ballot races and initiatives that are set to be on the November 5 ballot. 

On Election Day, Massachusetts voters will choose between incumbent U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, and her Republican contender, businessman John Deaton. Congressman Set Moulton (D) is running unopposed. 

Voters will also have their choice of third-party candidates in the presidential race, with Claudia De La Cruz and Karina Garcia running on the Socialism and Liberation Party ticket; Chase Oliver and Michael ter Maat on the Libertarian ticket; Jill Stein and Angel Cabellero-Roca on the Green-Rainbow Party ticket; and Shiva Ayyadurai and Crystal Ellis running as Independents. 

In state races, State Senator Cindy Friedman, Representative Kenneth Gordon, Clerk of Courts Michael Sullivan, and Governor’s Councillor candidate Mara Dolan are all running unopposed. 

In a contested Register of Deeds race, Incumbent Democrat Maria C. Curtatore faces Independent William “Billy” Tauro 

Voters will also contend with five ballot initiatives: 

Question 1: Whether or not to specify that the State Auditor has the authority to audit the Legislature

Question 2: Whether or not to eliminate the MCAS exam as a high school graduation requirement 

Question 3: Whether or not to specify that transportation network divers have the right to form unions

Question 4: Whether or not to allow adults over 21 to possess certain psychedelic substances under certain conditions 

Question 5: Whether or not to increase the minimum wage for tipped workers to the full state minimum wage

BCAT explored all five ballot initiatives in a recent episode of BNEWS In Depth. 

Polls are open in Burlington from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Burlington High School, or you can vote early at Town Hall between through Friday, November 1.